Automatic trigger guard for firearms

ABSTRACT

This Safety Device, which is intended for the safety of children, private citizen and law enforcement personnel, is a retrofit able Trigger Guard Assembly, which is attached to any existing handgun or firearm under the muzzle in front of the trigger guard, to prevent accidental or unauthorized discharge. The mechanism operates on gravity and levers or certain electro-mechanical mechanism and sensors, extends guard plates on both side of the trigger assembly, thereby making the firearm inoperable. As the gun is pointed downward or the authorized hand is at certain distance from the handgun the retractable guards extends and the mechanism is locked. The lock is released only if the firearm is; leveled, or the bio metrics of the user is matched, or the authorized hand is at a certain distance from the handgun, or certain digital/mechanical combination entered, and matches the data in the memory of the assembly.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

“Not Applicable”

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a safety mechanism especially for Handguns trigger mechanism. Once this mechanism is installed on any existing firearm will prevent accidental or unauthorized discharge, such as: during quick draw from the holster, generally in panic situation, un-intentional curious child use, and an unauthorized use, such as during a conflict situation where the handgun could be used by over powering the owner. This invention is a retrofit able mechanism, which in general operates on gravity actuated lever mechanism, or a electro-mechanical movement system which operates on sensors, receivers, memories and other electronic components, this system once install, will turn any existing firearm into a smart firearm.

In a Basic and Enhanced version of this invention, once installed in any existing firearm, the mechanism will de-activate the trigger operation, if the user's finger is off the trigger and the gun is pointed downward or placed in the holster. The mechanism will lock itself and the firing mechanism will remain de-activated unless;

-   -   1. The firearm is about leveled, such as, in case of a Basic         Version (A), where there is no lock and therefore, no release         code, bio-metrics or sensors are needed for resuming the trigger         operation.     -   2. The firearm is about leveled and a mechanical or digital code         is entered by the authorized user. The code is stored and saved         by the authorized user during installation of this invented         mechanism on the firearm. This is a Basic Version (B).     -   3. The firearm is about leveled and the bio-metrics of the         authorized user is matched. The bio-metrics of at least one user         is pre saved during the installation. This is an Enhanced         Version, where there is a reaction time in order for the trigger         to resume normal operation.

In an Advance Version, which is in general, anticipated for Law Enforcement, the trigger operation is de-activated and locked as soon as the authorized hand is at a certain distance from the firearm. The firing mechanism remains de-activated and locked unless;

-   -   1. At least one of the authorized user's hand is approached the         firearm and is at certain calibrated distance from the handle of         the firearm. This is achieved by Electro-Magnetic (EM) unique         frequency and therefore, the reaction time for release of the         lock essentially ZERO or negative. The frequency pairing of at         least one user is programmed during installation.

This invented mechanism is fully contained, and all mechanical, electro-mechanical and electronic configuration and assembly is attached to any existing handgun or firearm under the muzzle and in front of the trigger guard of the handgun or firearm. In a certain Basic Version, a mechanical or digital combination will release the lock thereby making the firearm operable as normal. In an Enhanced Version, a micro processor is placed in the assembly with a bio-metric reader. This bio-metric reader is placed in such a way that it can read the index finger's bio metrics and turn off the locking mechanism upon match with the pre-stored bio-metric of at least one user. In an Advance Version, such as for law enforcement use, an electro-magnetic (EM) proximity actuated unique signal receiver system will de-activate the trigger operation or releases the locks as soon as the hand of the authorized user moves away or approaches the firearm.

Description of related art, including informational disclosure under CFR 1.97 and CFR 1.98

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention pertains to a retrofit able safety mechanism for handguns and other firearm from accidental discharge and unauthorized use. The mechanism employs a gravity actuated lever mechanism or certain electro-mechanical sensor actuated assembly, which moves and locks plates guard mechanism over the trigger in order to de-activate it's function temporarily until the lock is released by the user. This fully contained mechanism can be installed on any existing handgun or firearm. This safety device, when installed, will prevent accidental discharge and unauthorized use or such hand gun or firearm. This invented device can operate using gravitational force and levers or electro-mechanical movements coupled with certain sensors. This safety system works in ways that as soon as the handgun or firearm is pointed downward, such as put in holster or the firearm is at a certain distance from the authorized user's hand, the system actuates the weighted pendulum or electro-mechanical means, which in turn move guard plates over the trigger of the handgun and locks at that position, thereby making the trigger operation inoperable. These retractable guard plates are extended out of the attached assembly on to over the trigger of the firearm and lock itself at that position. The lock release for the guard plates to retract in order to make trigger system operable can be achieved by; a digital or mechanical combination, a bio-metric print reading & matching system or a unique electro-magnetic (EM) proximity sensor & signal mechanism. Upon the match of certain data or certain EM proximity signal, the lock release itself and the guard plates are retracted automatically, thereby making the gun useable as normal. Colored light indicators such as yellow, red and blue LEDs can be employed to signal; safe, ready or low battery conditions.

This invention will prevent sudden discharge of a firearm, such as during a draw from a holster in panic conditions, unauthorized use or accidental discharge by a child. A Basic Version with mechanical or digital combination will prevent accidental discharge by children. Enhanced Version with bio-metrics or Advance Version with electro-magnetic (EM) proximity sensor will prevent unauthorized use. The Advance Version with EM proximity system is especially designed where the reaction time for the release of the lock is very crucial.

The Enhanced Version comprises of a bio metric reader placed on either side of the retrofit able fully contained assembly. A micro CPU and reader circuit is loaded with saved bio metric prints of at least one user. The bio metric prints are saved on a permanent memory such as chip/bios. This retrofit able safety device is also provided with colored LED indicators for low battery signal, fire mode signal and safe/lock mode signal. In Advance Version for law enforcement, where reaction time is very critical, a unique electro-magnetic (EM) proximity sensor system is employed. The sensor actuates and extends the guard plates, using fast electro-mechanical mechanism, as soon as the authorized hand moves at a certain distance away from the handgun. And simultaneously, a locking mechanism locks the plates, thereby inhibiting the trigger operation. This lock, however, is released instantly as soon as the authorized hand approaches the handgun or firearm and is at certain distance from the firearm, in a manner that the reaction time of the system and the time to grab the gun is about the same; thereby making the reaction time for release of the lock is essentially ZERO or negative.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an open view of the invented embodiment affixed permanently to a handgun, pointing down or placed in a holster. Casing 10 houses a mechanism which comprises of weighted lever 1 which has a dead weight 2, fused at its lower point. This lever 1 has a fulcrum point 12 and an elongated slot 13. Two guard plates 3 pined together with a floating pin 14 placed through the slot 13 at both end in such a way that movement of lever 1 on its fulcrum point 12 causes the plates 3 to move through a set of guide over the trigger 15 of the handgun. The lever 1 locks at its lowest point by a spring loaded solenoid switch 11 and the LED indicator 9 turn green to indicate that the gun is in safe mode, that is, it is inoperable. The bio metric finger print reader 4 reads the index finger print of the user of the handgun, and in case the finger print matches with the existing data base stored in the bios, solenoid releases the lock and as soon as the gun is about leveled the guard plates 3 retracts to unsafe position thereby turning the LED indicator red therefore the firearm can be used.

FIG. 2 is an open view of the invented embodiment affixed permanently to a handgun pointing about at level. The LED indicator 9 turned RED indicating firing mode. A USB port 7 is provided for pre storing finger prints of authorized users, by connecting to a computer. LED indicator 8 blinks yellow when battery 5 is below a certain level. The bio metric reader 4 is wired to the CPU 6 which contains necessary program and data. The assembly 10 is a complete self contained unit of strong light weight material, which is permanently affixed to any hand gun with special set screws or other affixing means under the handgun barrel next to the existing trigger guard.

DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A fabricated or otherwise manufactured self contained assembly is shown in FIG. 1, of certain physical characteristics such as width, breaking strength, weight etc. This assembly is attached permanently under the muzzle of any firearm, typically a hand gun in such a manner that it functions properly in order to provide safety mechanism by shielding the trigger of the gun. In basic version, the invented mechanism operates under the force of gravity and relevant lever action to extend guard plates on both side of the trigger thereby making it in operable. The guard plates are extended over the trigger guard of the firearm as soon as the gun is pointed downward. This action is performed by certain free weight and appropriate lever action. These retractable guard plates are locked at the extended position by certain locking mechanism in a manner that these guard plates inhibits the trigger operation of the firearm.

In Enhanced and Advance Version of this invention, the movement of the plates may be achieved by certain fast electro-mechanical movement. The mechanism is locked inside the assembly by a mechanical lock or an electro-mechanical miniature solenoid, which release the lock in order to facilitate the retraction of the guard plates only if the firearm is; leveled and certain mechanical/digital combination is matched, or the bio metric print is received and matched, or the firearm is approached and the authorized hand is at a certain distance from the firearm. The bio metrics of the authorized user (owner of the gun) is pre stored in the memory using a USB port that is provided on the invented assembly. Computer or smart phones can be used to down load certain software to facilitate such programming. In advance version, especially for law enforcement, a unique electro-magnetic proximity identifier system is employed in such a manner that the hand of the authorized user wearing a programmed EM proximity device activates or de-activates the guard plates and locks upon reaching the handgun, thereby minimizing the reaction time to almost zero.

FIG. 1 is showing the firearm pointing downward, such as placed in the holster. The guard plates are automatically extended and locked in that position by certain mechanical and electrical system, thereby, making the trigger in operable. This prevents the accidental discharge of a firearm, especially during a panic situation and sudden draw from the holster. Also, this assembly deters the unauthorized use, especially in case of scuffle and over powering and snatching the firearm from its authorized user.

FIG. 2 is shown where the gun is leveled and the guard plates are retracted. The assembly is provided with colored LED light in order to indicate; Firing Mode, Safe Mode and Low Battery Mode.

This invention claims a firearm trigger guard system for a firearm having a trigger guard, the trigger guard system including a casing having a front end and back end. The casing configured to attach under the muzzle of the firearm in front of the trigger guard. The casing having an opening in the back end. A pair of retractable plates configured to move between the first position wherein the plates are located inside the casing and a second, extended position where each plate extend through the opening in the rear end of the casing, the plates arranged such that there is a space between the plates for receiving the trigger. And a means for moving, wherein as the front end of the trigger guard system is pointed towards the ground or the authorized hand is at a certain maximum distance from the trigger guard system, the means for moving automatically moves the plates from the first position to the second position to prevent the actuation of the trigger and as the system is leveled or is approached by the authorized hand at a certain distance the mean for moving automatically moves the plates from the second position to the first position.

The disclosed embodiment of the apparatus, system and method according to the invention are illustrative of the scope of the invention, which is recited in the following claims. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments can be made or are apparent from the description contained herein, without departing from the scope of the invention is claimed. 

1. A firearm trigger guard system for a firearm having a trigger guard, the trigger guard system including: a casing having a front end and back end. The casing configured to attach under the muzzle of the firearm in front of the trigger guard. The casing having an opening in the back end; a pair of retractable plates configured to move between the first position wherein the plates are located inside the casing and a second, extended position where each plate extend through the opening in the rear end of the casing, the plates arranged such that there is a space between the plates for receiving the trigger; and a means for moving, wherein as the front end of the trigger guard system is pointed towards the ground or the authorized hand is at a certain distance from the trigger guard system, the means for moving automatically moves the plates from the first position to the second position to prevent the actuation of the trigger; as the system is leveled; or is approached by the authorized hand and the hand is at a certain maximum distance; or certain digital/mechanical combination is entered, the mean for moving automatically moves the plates from the second position to the first position.
 2. The trigger system of claim 1 further comprising a locking mechanism to lock the plates in the second position.
 3. The trigger guard system of claim 2 further comprising a memory, a unique proximity system or digital/mechanical combination configured to store biometric, proximity distance or combination data of at least one user and one sensor, wherein upon the match of data between the memory and the sensor, the locking mechanism is released. 